Anxiety Is Frequently Misdiagnosed as Bipolar Disorder and ADHD
Mental illnesses and neurodevelopmental disorders are among the most frequently misdiagnosed conditions. These disorders present differently in individuals and may have dramatically different symptoms between genders. Anxiety disorders, a group of mental health conditions characterized by excessive fear, worry, or panic, are no exception. Generalized anxiety disorders cause restlessness, fatigue, moodiness, insomnia, difficulty focusing, and unexplained pain, including headaches and muscle aches. This condition may be misdiagnosed as depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a sleep disorder, or a thyroid condition. Anxiety can also cause stomach pain mistaken for gastrointestinal or reproductive issues.
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety that manifests as frequent panic attacks. These attacks are characterized by an elevated heart rate, chest pain, sweating, numbness or tingling in the hands, and a sense of impending doom. These symptoms are nearly identical to those of a heart attack, which can result in the misdiagnosis of both conditions. A panic attack can also cause hyperventilation, which may be confused for an asthma attack. Additionally, dysfunction of the adrenal glands, which produce hormones that help regulate heart rate and blood pressure, can mimic signs of anxiety or a panic attack.